The San Francisco Principles 2020 builds on the 1983 Denver Principles to highlight the critical needs of long-term HIV/AIDS survivors (LTS) as they age with HIV. This important statement brings attention to the linked problems of aging, unfair health access, and how systems often ignore marginalized people within the LTS community.

Many LTS individuals experience faster physical and mental decline. This is often made worse by poverty, ongoing stigma, and very limited access to good healthcare. Even though they have contributed so much to our understanding of HIV/AIDS and are dedicated advocates, their experiences are too often ignored in important research and policy decisions.

To address these serious concerns, the San Francisco Principles ask for specialized elder care designed for LTS survivors, as well as easy-to-access mental health services that truly understand their deep and often difficult experiences.

A key part of the Principles is to get more LTS survivors involved in all decision-making. This makes sure that resources are not only fair but also truly meet their needs. The San Francisco Principles promote a unified effort, connecting the challenges of HIV/AIDS survivors with larger social justice movements. This strong partnership aims to break down unfair system differences and strongly promote health equity for everyone, especially people of color and those living with HIV/AIDS.